Te Papa Tupu 2026: Submissions Now Open!

By Māori Literature Trust | Posted: Thursday Aug 20, 2026

Submissions close: 30 September 2026

Elevate your craft, amplify your voice, and bring your manuscript to life. This exceptional opportunity is designed for Māori writers in Aotearoa who are driven to share their stories.

Te Papa Tupu is open to Māori writers who have written a manuscript, are living in Aotearoa and are committed to attending, learning and fulfilling a dream of being published. This is a fantastic opportunity to be connected with other Māori writers and industry experts. As a selected Te Papa Tupu finalist, you will be paired with an experienced mentor, have the opportunity to attend high profile writer’s festivals and receive a generous writer’s stipend for six months.

To get the most out of this mentoring programme, applicants should submit a full first draft of a manuscript. Please read our full terms and conditions before submitting your application.

Take the next step in your writing journey. Submit your manuscript today: Te Papa Tupu 2026: Submissions open now